Apparatus and method for securing an athletic boot

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and methods are provided for a boot with features that increase a securing of a user&#39;s heel. Embodiments include a heel hastening device that is between an upper portion and a liner. Boot designs are provided that maintain full support of the upper portion, and full comfort of the liner while concurrently providing a heel securing device. Also provided is a heel fastening device that is actuated by a lace. Also provided is a heel fastening device can be removed for repair or replacement if damage occurs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to footwear devices and methods.Specifically this invention relates to a method and apparatus forsecuring a boot, such as an ice skating boot or other boot, to the footof a user.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Athletic footwear of various types are typically secured to auser's foot using laces. Due to an elevated level of activity duringathletic use, there is a need for athletic footwear to be securelyfastened to the user's foot. While laces have been used in the past toaccomplish this goal, there are a number of areas in a lacing systemthat leave room for improvement.

[0003] As an example of athletic footwear, ice skates such as hockey orfigure skates require a high degree of ankle support to provide the userwith control over the skating blade. As a result, boots for ice skatesare typically designed with upper boot portions that extend upwards overa users ankle. The boot materials are typically formed from a stiffmaterial such as leather or plastic, or other stiff materials. Somedesigns further include doublers, or extra layers of leather, plastic,etc. to enhance stiffness of the boot. Although doublers and otherstiffening designs have increased stiffness and control for users ofathletic footwear, there is a need for further control to enhance usercontrol and performance while using athletic footwear.

[0004] The high stiffness of ice skate designs, and other similarathletic footwear causes problems such as slippage of a user's heel upand down, or side to side within a boot. For example, stiff materials ina heel region of a boot do not easily conform to a user's heel. What isneeded is a footwear design and a method to more securely attach auser's foot within a boot.

[0005] Another design concern includes weight of the footwear. In someathletic footwear applications, a lightweight product is desirable.Another design concern includes ease of use for the footwear user.Further, as in any manufacturing concern, cost of materials andmanufacturing process costs must be kept to a minimum while maintainingproduct performance advantages. What is needed is a footwear design anda method that is inexpensive to produce, and yields a light weightproduct that is easy for a user to operate.

SUMMARY

[0006] The above mentioned problems such as securely attaching a user'sfoot within a boot are addressed by the present invention and will beunderstood by reading and studying the following specification.

[0007] The present invention provides an article of footwear. Thearticle of footwear includes an upper portion attached to a soleportion. The article of footwear also includes a lace coupled to asubstantially front portion of the upper portion, and a heel securingdevice coupled to the lace, wherein the heel securing device is actuatedby the lace.

[0008] An article of footwear is also provided where the article offootwear includes an upper portion attached to a sole portion and alining portion located substantially within the upper portion. Thearticle of footwear also includes a length of flexible material passingbetween the upper portion and the lining portion and passingsubstantially around a heel portion of the article of footwear, whereinthe length of flexible material is adapted to tighten against the liningportion when actuated.

[0009] A method of manufacturing an article of footwear is alsoprovided. The method includes forming an upper portion and coupling alace to a substantially front portion of the upper portion. The methodalso includes coupling a length of flexible material to the lace, thelength of flexible material passing substantially around a rear portionof the upper portion, wherein the length of flexible material is adaptedto tighten about the rear portion of the upper when actuated by thelace.

[0010] A method of manufacturing an article of footwear is also providedincluding forming an upper portion attached to a sole portion andattaching a lining portion substantially within the upper portion. Themethod also includes passing a length of flexible material between theupper portion and the lining portion and passing the length of flexiblematerial substantially around a heel portion of the article of footwear,wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten againstthe lining portion when actuated.

[0011] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features ofthe present invention will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art byreference to the following description of the invention and referenceddrawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, andfeatures of the invention are realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an article of footwear accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

[0013]FIG. 2A shows a partially exploded view of an ice skate accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

[0014]FIG. 2B shows one embodiment of a heel fastening device.

[0015]FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method according to oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown,by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantiallysimilar components throughout the several views. These embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structuralchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0017] In the following detailed description, the term boot is used todescribe an article of footwear. As described, a boot includes numerousembodiments of footwear including high cuff and low cuff footwear. Aboot as described further includes, but is not limited to, a figureskating boot, other skating boots such as hockey skating boots, a hikingor running shoe, skiing footwear, etc.

[0018]FIG. 1 shows a boot 100. In one embodiment, the boot includes afigure skating boot. The boot 100 includes an upper portion 110, and asole portion 120. In one embodiment, a heel 132 is attached to the soleportion 120. Various regions of the boot 100 can further be defined,such as a heel region 130 and a toe region 140. A tongue 114 is furtherillustrated in FIG. 1.

[0019] In one embodiment, the upper portion 110 is formed from leather.Other materials such as injection molded plastic, synthetic leather,composite materials, etc are also contemplated within the scope of theinvention. In one embodiment, the upper portion 110 is formed from twoquarters. A quarter can be defined as ½ of a single boot. In oneembodiment, two quarters are attached together to form a boot using anattachment technique such as stitching or sewing. Other embodimentsinclude an upper portion formed of a single, integral piece of material,or multiple pieces of material.

[0020]FIG. 1 further shows a lace 150 that passes through a number oflace engaging features. In one embodiment, lace engaging featuresinclude holes 152, or eyelets. In one embodiment, lace engaging featuresinclude hooks 112. In one embodiment, the lace engaging features includea combination of holes 152 and hooks 112. Other lace engaging featuresadapted to hold a lace 150 are contemplated within the scope of theinvention, including but not limited to, rings or metal loops, etc. Aheel securing device 160 is further shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows theheel securing device passing into the upper portion 110 through anopening 162 in the upper portion 110.

[0021] In one embodiment, the heel securing device 160 is coupled to thelace 150 in such a way as to be actuated by the lace 150 during normallacing procedures by a user. In one embodiment, the lace 150 passesthrough an opening in the heel securing device 160, so that the lace 150actuates the heel securing device by pulling on the heel securing device160. In one embodiment, the heel securing device 160 is not coupled tothe lace 150, and is separately actuated by the user, apart from alacing operation.

[0022]FIG. 2A shows a boot 200. A lace 250 and a number of lace engagingfeatures 252 are shown, similar to embodiments described above. A figureskating blade 240 is further shown for optional attachment to the boot200 in embodiments that are designed for figure skating. An upperportion 210 of the boot 200 is shown with a liner 220 substantiallywithin the upper portion 210. In one embodiment, a space 222 is locatedbetween the upper portion 210 and the liner 220 where the liner 220 isnot directly attached to the upper portion 210. Although the liner 220is not directly attached to the upper portion 210 in the space 222,embodiments are included where the liner 220 is attached to the upperportion 210 in other regions not directly adjacent to the space 222.

[0023] A liner 220 is frequently used in construction of a boot 200 toprovide comfort for the user. The upper portion 210 of boots (inparticular athletic boots such as ice skates) are frequently very stifffor ankle support. A stiff upper portion 210 can be uncomfortableagainst a users ankle without a liner 220. To add further stiffness, orto tailor specific regions with added stiffness, the upper may includeadditional layers of material, or doublers. The upper portion doublersare attached directly to the upper portion 210. Likewise, to add furtherstiffness, or to tailor specific regions with added stiffness, the linermay include additional layers of material, or doublers. The linerdoublers are attached directly to the liner 220.

[0024] One embodiment of a heel fastening device 260 similar to FIG. 1is shown in detail in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, the heel fasteningdevice 260 includes a length of flexible material 264 that passessubstantially around a heel portion 230 of the boot 200. In oneembodiment, use of a heel fastening device provides increased support toa user over current designs. In one embodiment, additional stiffeningelements of current designs, such as doublers, can be reduced oreliminated from designs as a result of increased support provided by theheel fastening device 260. Elimination of elements currently in useallows for a lighter boot that is less expensive to manufacture.

[0025] In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264 passesbetween the upper portion 210 and the liner 220, within the space 222.This configuration has an advantage of retaining full stiffening effectof the upper portion 210 and retaining full comfort of the liner 220while concurrently providing for supplemental heel fastening in additionto a standard lacing system. In one embodiment, no portion of the upper210 or liner 220 is cut away or compromised to allow for the heelfastening device 260.

[0026] In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264 passesthrough a guide portion 266. In one embodiment, the guide portion 266 isalso located between the upper portion 210 and the liner 220, within thespace 222. Designs of a heel attachment device 260 that incorporate aguide portion 266 have additional advantages. In one embodiment, theguide portion 266 forms a channel that keeps the length of flexiblematerial 264 in a desired location within the heel region 230. In oneembodiment, the guide portion 266 protects the length of flexiblematerial 264 during manufacturing, by keeping adhesives away from thelength of flexible material 264. In one embodiment, the guide portion266 provides a guide function, without physical attachment of the lengthof flexible material 264. In absence of actual physical attachment, thelength of flexible material 264 is removable from the boot 200. Aremovable length of flexible material 264 is advantageous if repair orreplacement is necessary.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one lace engaging device 262 isattached to the heel fastening device 260. Lace engaging devicesinclude, but are not limited to D-rings, other shapes of rings, hooks,etc. In one embodiment, a single lace engaging device 262 is included ona first end of the length of flexible material 264. The single laceengaging device 262 provides a pulling force to the length of flexiblematerial 264 that is actuated by the lace 250. If a single lace engagingdevice 262 is used, a portion of the length of flexible material 264 isattached to the boot 200 to provide a countering force.

[0028] In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264 passesthrough a first opening 267 in one side of the boot 200 and a secondopening (not shown) in another side of the boot. The addition of a firstopening 267 and a second opening makes a small impact on existingmanufacturing flow and manufacturing machinery. This leads to aninexpensive improvement in the design of the boot 200.

[0029]FIG. 2B shows a heel fastening device 260, including a first laceengaging device 262 attached to the length of flexible material 264 at afirst end, and a second lace engaging device 263 attached to the lengthof flexible material 264 at a second end. In one embodiment, the firstlace engaging device 262 and the second lace engaging device 263 areattached to the length of flexible material 264 using a suitableattachment method such as stitching. In one embodiment, the length offlexible material 264 includes a woven material. In one embodiment, thelength of flexible material 264 includes, but is not limited to,materials such as poly spun material, nylon, or cotton. Advantageously,the heel fastening device 260 is formed from inexpensive materials andis a relatively light weight addition to a design of the boot 200.

[0030] Using two lace engaging devices 262, 263, a first end 254 of thelace 250 and a second end 255 of the lace 250 both actuate the length offlexible material 264 to tighten around the heel of a user. In oneembodiment, the first lace engaging device 262 and the second laceengaging device 263 are located substantially across from one another onthe boot 200. In one embodiment, the first lace engaging device 262 andthe second lace engaging device 263 are located in the middle of thenumber of lace engaging features 252, approximately halfway up the boot200. Other positions of the first lace engaging device 262 and thesecond lace engaging device 263 within the number of lace engagingfeatures 252 are also contemplated in one embodiment.

[0031] In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264, the firstlace engaging device 262 and the second lace engaging device 263 are allremovably attached to the boot 200. To replace or repair a damagedassembly of the heel fastening device 260 as described above, the lace250 is threaded out of the first and second lace engaging devices 262,263, and the heel fastening device 260 is removed through either thefirst opening 267 in the upper portion 210 or the second opening in theupper portion 210.

[0032] In one method of use, a user of the boot 200 laces up the boot200 in a conventional manner. As the user pulls on the first end 254 andthe second end 255 of the lace 250 in a conventional lacing motion, theheel fastening device 260 is concurrently actuated to secure the user'sheel within the boot 200. In one method of use, the user further lacesthe lace 250 about lace engaging features 252 above the heel fasteningdevice 260 to complete a lacing operation.

[0033]FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of one method of manufacture of aboot. Upper portions are manufactured, an linings are manufactured. Alength of flexible material is placed in a heel region of the lining. Aguide portion is placed substantially over the length of flexiblematerial. The guide portion serves a number of functions as describedabove. One function includes protecting the length of flexible materialfrom adhesives in subsequent manufacturing operations. Once in place,the guide portion is coupled to the lining. The lining, the guideportion, and the length of flexible material are then secured to theupper portion. In one embodiment, the lining is coupled within the upperportion, such that the length of flexible material is between the liningand the upper portion. A sole portion is formed, and the previouslydescribed assembly, including the upper portion, the lining, the guideportion and the length of flexible material is attached to the soleportion. A lace is then attached to the upper to provide lacing functionto the boot. In one embodiment, the lace is further coupled to thelength of flexible material to provide tightening of the length offlexible material when the lace is actuated. Although one order ofoperations is shown in FIG. 3, other orders of operations are possiblewithin the scope of the invention.

CONCLUSION

[0034] A boot, and methods associated with the boot have been shown withfeatures that provide for increased securing of a user's heel. Forexample, side to side slippage of a user's heel and up and down slippageof a user's heel are reduced using designs as described above.Embodiments shown above optionally allow elements of current bootdesigns to be eliminated due to extra support provided by heel fasteningdevices shown. Lighter boots can therefore be manufactured at a lowermanufacturing cost.

[0035] Embodiments shown above include a heel fastening device that isbetween an upper portion and a liner. Boot designs using featuresdescribed above therefore maintain full support of the upper portion,and full comfort of the liner while concurrently providing a heelsecuring device.

[0036] Embodiments shown above also include a heel fastening device thatis actuated by a lace. In one embodiment, a user need only lace the bootin a conventional manner and a heel fastening device is actuated toprovide supplemental tightening in a heel region.

[0037] Embodiments shown above also include a heel fastening device thatis removably attached to the boot. In one embodiment, the heel fasteningdevice can be removed for repair or replacement if damage occurs.

[0038] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentinvention. It is to be understood that the above description is intendedto be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventionincludes any other applications in which the above structures andfabrication methods are used. The scope of the invention should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upperportion attached to a sole portion; a lace coupled to a substantiallyfront portion of the upper portion; and a heel securing device coupledto the lace, wherein the heel securing device is actuated by the lace.2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the heel securing deviceincludes a length of flexible material passing substantially around arear portion of the upper portion.
 3. The article of footwear of claim2, wherein the heel securing device includes a first eyelet coupled to afirst end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passesthrough the first eyelet.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 3, furtherincluding a second eyelet coupled to a second end of the length offlexible material, wherein the lace passes through the second eyelet. 5.The article of footwear of claim 2, further including a lining portion,wherein the length of flexible material passes substantially between theupper portion and the lining portion.
 6. The article of footwear ofclaim 2, wherein the length of flexible material includes a nylon cord.7. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the length of flexiblematerial is removable from the article of footwear.
 8. An article offootwear, comprising: an upper portion attached to a sole portion; alining portion located substantially within the upper portion; and alength of flexible material passing between the upper portion and thelining portion and passing substantially around a heel portion of thearticle of footwear, wherein the length of flexible material is adaptedto tighten against the lining portion when actuated.
 9. The article offootwear of claim 8, wherein the article of footwear includes a figureskating boot.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the lengthof flexible material includes a nylon cord.
 11. The article of footwearof claim 8, wherein the length of flexible material is removable fromthe article of footwear.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 8, furtherincluding a lace, wherein the length of flexible material is actuated bythe lace.
 13. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper portionattached to a sole portion; a lace coupled to a substantially frontportion of the upper portion; and a means for securing a heel coupled tothe lace, wherein the heel securing device is actuated by the lace. 14.The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the a means for securing aheel passes substantially between the upper portion and a liner.
 15. Amethod of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising: forming anupper portion; coupling a lace to a substantially front portion of theupper portion; coupling a length of flexible material to the lace, thelength of flexible material passing substantially around a rear portionof the upper portion, wherein the length of flexible material is adaptedto tighten about the rear portion of the upper when actuated by thelace.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling the length offlexible material to the lace includes coupling a nylon cord to thelace.
 17. The method of claim 15, further including attaching a firsteyelet to a first end of the length of flexible material, wherein thelace passes through the first eyelet.
 18. The method of claim 17,further including attaching a second eyelet to a second end of thelength of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the secondeyelet.
 19. The method of claim 15, further including forming a liningportion and locating the length of flexible material substantiallybetween the upper portion and the lining portion.
 20. The method ofclaim 15, wherein coupling the length of flexible material to the laceincludes removably coupling a length of flexible material to the lace.21. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising:forming an upper portion attached to a sole portion; attaching a liningportion substantially within the upper portion; and passing a length offlexible material between the upper portion and the lining portion andpassing the length of flexible material substantially around a heelportion of the article of footwear, wherein the length of flexiblematerial is adapted to tighten against the lining portion when actuated.22. The method of claim 21, further including coupling a lace to asubstantially front portion of the upper portion and coupling the laceto the length of flexible material.